A Laser-Triggered Mini-Marx for Low-Jitter, High-Voltage Applications
Abstract
A relatively simple method for generating high-voltage (~200 kV) trigger pulses with low jitter (~1 ns) has been developed at the Nike KrF Laser Facility. The output pulse (~10 mJ) from a frequency-quadrupled Nd:YAG laser is focused between the electrodes of a spark gap, which acts as the first-stage switch in a compact, eight-stage Marx generator. The spark gap is pressurized with a mixture of sulfur hexafluoride and air. The UV (266 nm) laser energy ionizes the SFs, creating a spark which triggers the switch. A 20-cm focal length lens is used. The defocusing laser light then illuminates the remaining, self-breaking spark-gap switches in the Marx, pre-ionizing them. The Marx output is approximately 200 kV into 50 ohms, with a risetime of 2 ns. A single Marx is capable of triggering six 100-kV spark gaps via six 65-ohm cables in parallel, with an overall jitter of (+ or -) 1 ns. A single laser triggers three Marxes; the trigger timing of each can be adjusted independently by changing the laser path lengths. The system uses off-the-shelf components throughout.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA636361
Entities
People
- J. C. Kellogg
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory